Toenail Troubles: Is It Fungus?

Summer’s the season to expose those toes. But foot fungus can lodge under the toenails, leaving them thick and discolored. The condition is not usually painful or serious, but it can create an unsightly mess that’s hard to clear up. Get the answers you need to get ready to go barefoot from podiatrist Samantha Newstadt, DPM, with LVPG Podiatry, part of Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute.

Fungal infections of the nails usually occur when fungus invades a crack in the nails or the surrounding skin. Fungus adores warm, wet places, lurking in locker rooms and on pool decks – as well as on hot, sweaty feet. Toenail infections frequently occur with athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the skin. Nail injuries can also give fungus a toehold.

Anyone can get toenail fungus, but it’s more common in people older than age 60. Those with diabetes or circulation problems are vulnerable to infection, too. So are people with a weakened immune system. Fungus presents a much larger problem for these groups than for healthy people.

Symptoms include nails that are:

• Brittle
• Discolored – usually white or yellow
• Thick or distorted
• Crumbly or have jagged edges

A doctor or clinician will usually scrape or clip your toenail so they can test it for fungus before prescribing treatment.

Fungal nail infections can be difficult to get rid of, and they often recur. Your doctor or clinician may prescribe oral or topical medication depending on your situation.

Keep feet clean and dry, and stay healthy so that your immune system can fight off any infection. Other defensive measures include:

• Immediately treat fungal skin infections.
• Wear shoes in all public areas – especially locker rooms and pools.
• Trim toenails short and straight across. Never share nail clippers.